Theatre for Everybody (Gaza) and Az Theatre (London)
A brief description of PALESTINE: REPAIR & RETURN
Background:
Theatre for Everybody was set up in 1987 in Gaza by current co-Artistic Directors: Jamal Al Rozzi and Hossam Madhoun.
Az Theatre is a UK-based charity set up by Jonathan Chadwick and associates in 2004 to pursue projects developed through international and community partnerships, mainly the WAR STORIES project (2004-7). Our aim: PERFORMING ARTS INSPIRING ACTIVISM
The two companies have been in partnership since 2009. See the history of this partnership, GAZA DRAMA LONG TERM: http://aztheatre.org.uk/gaza-drama-long-term-2/
Since October 2023:
Since October 2023 Az Theatre’s activities have increased, presenting mainly work based on Hossam Madhoun’s MESSAGES and thus continuing our partnership. These accounts tell the epic story of Hossam’s experiences as the genocide unfolded in Gaza. See: http://aztheatre.org.uk/another-day-messages-from-gaza-now/
We have presented 24 public events in the UK and Italy, with well over 1000 attendees. In the UK we have presented 14 events, and also a two-week art exhibition at P21 Gallery (January 2024) which showed a film installation of the readings of MESSAGES FROM GAZA NOW, produced by Maysoon Pachachi. In Italy, we have presented 10 events, GAZA ORA. The events have had a major impact on publics and have elicited critical acclaim in Italy.
We have taken part in the development of the White Kite Collective, engaging in the events produced by them. There we have presented Hossam’s MESSAGES integrally with the programmes they have produced.
We have succeeded in having Hossam’s MESSAGES translated into Italian, Spanish, French, Catalan, German thus extending the reach of his ‘voice’ and his story. In addition to our collaboration with Markaz Review in publishing a selection of them.
Our PALESTINE: REPAIR & RETURN project:
In February Theatre for Everybody (Gaza) and Az Theatre (London) projected a new phase of our work called PALESTINE: REPAIR & RETURN. We aim to engage with diverse fields of social activity and practices, placing theatre and drama in a creative and integrating role amongst other ‘skill and knowledge’ communities.
So far, we have run seven PALESTINE: REPAIR & RETURN events: see the list below.
We are keen to develop collaborations with other networks and activist groups
Our events:
All of our events are produced at P21 Gallery in London and are accessible to online participants.
We want to connect the participants in our events, activists and professionals, to people in Palestine working on projects in related fields. This is aimed at supporting ongoing projects in Palestine and working to encourage similar projects to develop.
Alongside our events which we describe as ‘public conversations’, we aim to build community and emphasise the attainment of agency and effective activism. We are oriented towards local community-rooted initiatives.
What we want to do:
The successful outcomes of our project are inextricably linked to the liberation of the Palestinian people.
Our vision is to create a network of activist participants from Palestine and around the world collaborating on projects aimed at repair and regeneration in Palestine. We mainly seek to make an impact on the culture of solidarity, amplifying practical projects, interdisciplinary practices, invention and creativity. In future, we may enable the sharing of information about financial resources and act as a conduit for financial support. PALESTINE: REPAIR & RETURN is based on working with, and listening to, Palestinians.
In the UK, we will remain true to the essentially voluntary nature of the creative, administrative and organisational inputs to our activities. We will continue to use an office and work-base for the company’s work where most overhead costs are donated in kind. We aim to cover venue costs through ticket price and we are committed to our ‘venue’ partner, P21 Gallery. We will continue to provide financial support to our partners in Theatre for Everybody
The PALESTINE: REPAIR & RETURN story so far. These events have been presented in partnership with P21 Gallery London and online
Jamal’s Story – NGO resilience in Gaza – Thursday 18th July 2024 with Jamal Al Rozzi
The Prisoners’ Stories – Thursday 15th August 2024 with Salah Abdel Ati, Dr Samah Jabr
Stories of Learning and Teaching – Thursday 17th October 2024 with Ahmed Sammak, Nick Bilborough, Ruth Abou Rashed, Mustafa Abu Taha, Alberto Foyo.
Stories of Women and Health – Thursday 13th November 2024 with Hanan Kaoud, Vanessa Farr, Lama Khouri, Salma Madhoun
Stories of Water – Thursday 12th December 2024 with Azzam Abu Habib, Muna Dajani, Alberto Foyo
Stories of Food and Seeds of Resistance – Thursday 16th January 2025 with George McAllister, Lina Isma’il, Ahmed Zaqout and Muna Dajani
Stories of Disability and Rehabilitation – Thursday 20th February 2025 with Jamal Al Rozzi, Adham al Rozzi, Reem Abu Taha and Dr Eyad Kronz
This version of this document has been prepared by Jonathan Chadwick. 26/11/24
Please contact Jonathan Chadwick info@aztheatre.org.uk 07985078338